What is the difference between a Sikh, a Sahajdhari Sikh and a Khalsa? Please explain in context with the definition of a Sikh given in Sikh Rehat Maryada.

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Introduction

A1: What is the difference between a Sikh, a Sahajdhari Sikh and a Khalsa? Please explain in context with the definition of a Sikh given in Sikh Rehat Maryada (the Sikh Code of Conduct) The meaning of the word 'Sikh' is a disciple. Although you can be a Sikh (learner) of anything/anyone this word has been adopted by the followers of Guru Nanak Dev Ji's philosophy. The basic belief of a 'Sikh' is a person who believes in one God and in the teachings of the ten Sikh Gurus. They must believe in the sovereignty of Guru Granth Sahib and respects all other scriptures, prophets and religions. Apart from this the most important belief, which is an important necessity for the Sikh way of life, is being apart of the baptism ceremony initiated by our 10th Guru, Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. This means that in order to call yourself a proper Sikh, it includes practising the beliefs and following the teachings. However, looking deeper into the meaning of a Sikh, we can discover that this word can be separated into three different classifications; all containing the basic theme of Sikhism but each differentiate in their own way. The three mainstream Sikhs include the Sahajdharis, a normal Sikh, also known as a Keshdhari, and a Khalsa or Amritdhari. The word Sahajdhari was known before becoming prominent during the 1880's as a definition of a Hindu or Muslim, or a non-sikh who had a inclination towards Sikhism but had not taken the step to become a full fledged Khalsa or Amritdhari. ...read more.

Middle

How do these banis differ from the banis, which Guru Gobind Singh recited at the time of preparing khande da amrit at Kesgarh Sahib in 1699? Daily Banis for a Sikh as per Rehat Meryada: Prayer Time of Day Author and where in SGGS Or Dasam Granth Japji Morning Guru Nanak Pg 1-8 SGGS Jaap Sahib Morning Guru Gobind Singh Pg 1-10 SGGS Suddha Swaiyais Morning Guru Gobind Singh (Dasam Granth) Pg 13-15 SGGS Rehraas (Sodar/So Purakh) Evening Guru Nanak/ Ramdas/ Arjan/ + 6pauris Anand Sahib Amardas + Saloks + Benti Chaupay Guru Gobind Singh Ji Pg 8-12 SGGS Kirtan Sohila Before sleeping Guru Nanak/ Ramdas/ Arjan/ Amardas Pg 12-13 SGGS When Guru Gobind Singh prepared Khande da Amrit the banis recited were all of the above morning banis (Japji, Jaap, Suddha Swaiyais), with the addition of Benti Chaupay by Guru Gobind Singh (only found in the Dasam Granth) and the full version of Anand Sahib by Guru Amardas (40 Pauris) in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ardaas or prayer is recited after each session. A3: List the primary sources (books/manuscripts etc) of Sikh Religion The main source in Sikh Religion is Scriptures. These include the * Sri Guru Granth Sahib (was known as the Adi Granth). This is truly unique among the world's great scriptures. It is considered the Supreme Spiritual Authority and Head of the Sikh religion, rather than any living person. It is also the only scripture of it's kind which not only contains the works of it's own religious founders but also writings of people from other faiths. ...read more.

Conclusion

Through words and example, the Guru demonstrates to followers how to experience God within themselves, bringing them from darkness into light. Guru Nanak was a humble bearer of this Light of Truth. He opposed superstition, injustice, and hypocrisy and inspired seekers by singing divine songs, which touched the hearts of the most callous listeners. These songs were recorded, and formed the beginnings of the Sikhs' sacred writings, later to become the "Siri Guru Granth Sahib". Guru Nanak laid down the foundation of Sikhism. Guru Nanak infused his own consciousness into a disciple, who then became Guru, subsequently passing the light on to the next, and so on. Each one of the ten Gurus represents a divine attribute: * Guru Nanak - Humility * Guru Angad - Obedience * Guru Amar Das - Equality * Guru Ram Das - Service * Guru Arjan - Self- Sacrifice * Guru Hargobind - Justice * Guru Har Rai - Mercy * Guru Harkrishan - Purity * Guru Tegh Bahadur - Tranquillity * Guru Gobind Singh - Royal Courage Unlike the Hindu traditions The Gurus were not seen as incarnations of God and they were/are not worshipped. They are, instead, simply held in very high esteem as especially enlightened spiritual guides. They taught people to respect themselves and others and believe in a God who was both loving and forgiving. Guru Gobind Singh, the Tenth Guru, showed by example the Sikh ideal of the Soldier-Saint. He was also an inspired and writer, courageous warrior, and a source of Divine Wisdom to his Sikhs as a way of life. WORLD SIKH UNIVERSITY Priya K Panesar Student ID no: TUTORIAL 1 'SIKHISM' 18 October 2003 - 1 - ...read more.

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